Football is finally back, and the Green Bay Packers are ready to kick off their 2025 preseason under the lights on Saturday night against the New York Jets. While the spotlight will always hover over the big names, head coach Matt LaFleur has made it clear — this is a golden opportunity for the young guns, the under-the-radar grinders, and the rising stars looking to earn their stripes.
You won't be seeing the starters for too long — LaFleur’s got a set number of snaps in mind to knock off the rust and get veterans back into the rhythm without putting their health at risk. The real fireworks? That’ll be coming from the depth chart battles, where every play could be the one that secures a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Let’s dive into the must-watch players at each position group in this preseason opener. If you’re tuning in to get a sneak peek at the future of the Pack, here’s who should have your full attention.
🔥 Quarterback: Malik Willis — The Backup with Big-Time Upside
It’s Malik Willis’ show this Saturday night.
LaFleur already confirmed that Willis will get the lion’s share of QB reps, and for good reason. He's the clear backup, but with 2026 looming as a contract year, this is more than just a tune-up. It's an audition.
Willis, known for his blazing legs and backyard playmaking, is being challenged to operate more comfortably from the pocket. If he can blend his dynamic mobility with poise and precision in the passing game, not only will Green Bay sleep easier knowing they’ve got a solid QB2 — other teams may start calling about a possible starter.
💨 Running Back: Israel Abanikanda — Speed Meets Revenge Narrative
Nothing like facing your old squad to turn up the heat.
Israel Abanikanda, once a Jets draft pick, now suits up against his former team with something to prove. Known for his breakaway speed and experience returning kicks, the explosive runner has had strong preseason performances the last two years. He’s a late add to the Packers' backfield mix, but this could be his breakout moment.
Don’t blink — Abanikanda’s got the kind of juice that can turn a routine run or return into a highlight-reel sprint to the house.
🧨 Wide Receiver: Savion Williams — A Deep Threat and YAC Machine
Matthew Golden might be stealing headlines at training camp, but Savion Williams is quickly climbing the ranks.
After shaking off an early-summer concussion, the third-round pick is starting to flex his potential. Big, fast, and smooth after the catch, Williams is exactly the kind of player who pops in preseason action. Expect at least one manufactured touch (like a jet sweep or quick screen) and maybe even a bomb down the sideline.
Don't be surprised if he ends the night with the highlight of the game.
💪 Tight End: John FitzPatrick — The Underrated Utility Man
Blocking tight ends don’t usually get much love, but John FitzPatrick is starting to carve out a name for himself in Green Bay.
Built like a true "Y" tight end, FitzPatrick can hold his own in the trenches. But this summer, he’s also been flashing some pass-catching chops. Locked in a battle with Ben Sims for the TE3 spot, FitzPatrick has been a security blanket for the backup QBs during camp.
This game might tip the scales in his favor — especially if he hauls in a few key third-down catches or pancakes a linebacker on a power run.
🧱 Offensive Line: Donovan Jennings — The Unexpected X-Factor
Let’s talk trenches — because this is where rosters are really won and lost.
Donovan Jennings might not be a household name, but he could be the one to lock down the crucial ninth O-line spot following Travis Glover’s unfortunate season-ending injury. Last year’s UDFA prize has been getting looks at both guard and center, showcasing versatility that coaches love.
He’s expected to get extended reps Saturday. If he balls out, he might just go from depth piece to roster lock.
🐂 Defensive Line: Nazir Stackhouse — Georgia Grit on Full Display
The big man in the middle is making noise — literally and figuratively.
Nazir Stackhouse, the mammoth Georgia Bulldog, has been stuffing run lanes and collapsing pockets all camp long. As an undrafted rookie, his odds were long. But with every practice, he’s looking more like a Sunday contributor.
If he dominates against the Jets’ second-stringers, Stackhouse might push his way into the final 53. Keep your eyes on #99 — he’s hard to miss and even harder to move.
🌀 Edge Rusher: Brenton Cox Jr. — Year 3 Breakout Alert?
Training camp buzz? Brenton Cox Jr. has it.
Now entering his third year with the Packers, Cox has been disruptive in team drills and one-on-ones. He’s playing faster, more confident, and more violent — exactly what you want in a rotational edge rusher.
This game is a chance to flash that juice against real opponents. Look for him to feast on backup tackles and maybe even notch a strip sack or two.
🚨 Linebacker: Ty'Ron Hopper — The Hidden Gem of the Front Seven
Yes, Isaiah Simmons is the big name, but Ty’Ron Hopper has quietly been one of the best linebackers at camp.
Big, athletic, and rangy, Hopper is a tackle magnet and a sideline-to-sideline nightmare for opposing offenses. Preseason is tailor-made for guys like him to shine. He’ll likely be in on a ton of plays, flying around and filling lanes.
If he keeps stacking performances, Hopper could force himself into the rotation — even in a suddenly deep linebacker group.
🔒 Cornerback: Bo Melton & Kalen King — Let the Battle Begin
Two corners, one spotlight.
Bo Melton is finally making the full-time transition to cornerback, and his debut couldn’t be more anticipated. Meanwhile, Kalen King is entering his second year with a lot to prove after a quiet rookie campaign.
Both will see plenty of snaps, and don’t overlook their impact on special teams — a few clutch tackles or a blocked kick can tilt the scales.
Also, don’t forget about seventh-rounder Micah Robinson. He’s been chippy, competitive, and downright scrappy in camp. One interception or key breakup could put him in the mix too.
🦅 Safety: Omar Brown — The Camp Ball Hawk
Talk about making a statement — Omar Brown has been everywhere.
With five picks in camp (three of them on Family Night alone), the second-year safety is on fire. With Xavier McKinney sidelined for the preseason due to a calf issue, Brown is getting valuable reps. And he’s not wasting a single one.
He might be safety No. 5 or No. 6 right now, depending on how you view Javon Bullard, but if Brown keeps stacking plays and taking the ball away, Green Bay’s defensive coaches will be forced to take notice.
Final Takeaway: Roster Spots Are On the Line
Saturday night isn’t just a game — it’s a battlefield.
With rookies eager to explode onto the scene, undrafted guys clawing for recognition, and veterans fighting for relevance, the Packers' preseason opener against the Jets is going to be anything but dull. Expect fireworks, hustle, and maybe even a few jaw-dropping moments.
So grab your snacks, settle in, and don’t just watch the stars — keep your eyes locked on the grinders trying to become the next big name in Green Bay.
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